We’ve had an extraordinary summer in sports this year – The Ryder Cup, Tour de France, World Championships and Olympics needs no reminder. Over the weekend, Sports Personality of the Year 2012 was held in the home ground of Olympic, the Excel Arena where boxing matches were held. There were 7 nominees to win the prestigious award, the Olympians were heavily dominated to other categories.

The winner for the ‘Sports Personality of the Year 2012′ title was the Tour de France and Olympic champion – Bradley Wiggins, the award was presented by the Duchess of Cambridge. Many congratulations Wiggo!

A while ago, I took a trip to Yorkshire to check out Wool Re-fashioned exhibition at Salts Mill, celebrating the finest UK design talent alongside the 25th year of Yorkshire heritage site, and collaboration between the Yorkshire Fashion Archive, Leeds design students and The Woolmark Company. A showcase exhibiting vintage pieces such as the iconic designers Ossie Clark and Issey Miyake as well as mainstream high street brands. Donated classic items have been reworked in wool by Leeds University Design students, and highlight versatility of the traditional fabric and traditional method in pattern cutting in conjunction with modern day techniques and methods.

I’m guessing the whole nation is preparing for festive Halloween spirits on the 31st of November, making personalizing costumes, carving out pumpkins, street and home decorations, parties, sugary treats and the most important tradition of all… is trick or treating. Although, Halloween in the UK is known to be less OTT compared to the ambitious and traditionalists in the US and extravagant halloween costume parties in parts of Asia, for crafty enthusiasts i.e DIY is a perfect time to create something their own especially of that DIY has created a massive trend and movement. Typically accessible media platforms such as DIY blogs and Pinterest are easy and fast to get inspirations from. So, what are you wearing this Halloween?

It’s definitely starting to feel much colder with a hint of warm and humidity air, a warm coat and snuggly knitwear jumper are needed. October and November are the most crucial time for shoppers and buyers to invest on outerwear for the Autumn Winter period.

Benetton has a fantastic range of coats and jackets to choose from, in different styles to suit your style and needs; vibrant colours, checks, quilt and downs, duffle, bomber and smart-work outerwear. Be sure to check it out instore and online.

To commemorate the final few weeks of Summer, the heatwave we experienced back in August and the urge to drink and chill indoors were virtually impossible when you have burst crowds of people doing the same time. Hanging out with friends whilst still sweating and fanning ourselves (a new workout for the arms), we had the opportunity to settle at a near deserted restaurant ‘Campania’ off Columbia Road, the beauty of this restaurant is its nostalgic interiors, old film polaroids stuck on the wall, rustic oak wooden tables and the signature Italian atmospheric feeling reminds me of my school trip to Florence. A glass of fizzy orange juice and very late in the Sunday afternoon, the restaurant had to close, not enough moment to observe every single details of the lovely interior. Enjoy the photos.

Another eatery post, I fear my stomach won’t hold much longer after visiting countless visits to food chain and independent cafes/restaurants, the joy of sampling food and snapping food and interiors often end up wanting more.

The other week whilst my friends were in town and rarely venture out to the West side of London, Notting Hill, totally forgotten the town still exist but less on my radar. A close friend of mine suggested having coffee, tea and cakes at Jamie Oliver’s concept food and kitchen shop ”Recipease” opened this August, other branches include Brighton and Clapham Junction.

What’s so amazing about this concept development is that you can booked a cookery lesson at an open space and to eat after at a cost of £7o per head, pastry shop, buy herbs and other produce, food to go, cafe and restaurant all on two floors. It was fascinating to watch people eat whilst sipping coffee at the same time. Wouldn’t it lovely if we had a Benetton cafe in store?

The economic crisis has aggravated the crisis in the world of work, leading to dramatic situations in many parts of the planet but especially in Europe. Young people today are the hardest hit: At present they are nearly 3 times more likely to be unemployed than their adult counterparts.

United Colors of Benetton launches Unemployee of the Year, a new global communication campaign to support non-employed youth. To raise the awareness on youth non-employment issue, Benetton launches an online contest to sustain 100 projects, submitted by young non-employed people between the ages of 18 and 30, they are free to submit outlines of projects within the UNHATE Foundation mission that would create a social impact in their community. The project is to be submitted to the UNHATE Foundation website and will be voted by the online community.

United Colors of Benetton wants to send a positive message of hope to celebrate the ability of young people to find new, intelligent and creative ways of facing the problem of unemployment and finding their own unique solution.

Today’s generation testifies that being non-employed doesn’t mean being useless, lazy or an anarchist. It is a social problem; politic, recession, the rise of tuition fee and country’s debt problem. A generation that is fighting for a less temporary future in a different way. Contrary to common misconceptions about being young and non-employed, their smart, creative and inspiring working experiences do not compromise their dignity.

This communication project will run globally, in print and virally, through photographs and videos, using social media and an ironic approach to facilitate the involvement of young people who can help face the global problem of unemployment.

Thank you London 2012 for giving us the greatest Summer we ever had, the Olympians, Paralympians, volunteers and game makers has brought us tears, joy, and hope. We have witnessed the Superhuman (Paralympians) performed their best, not just their disabilities but their abilities, we’re celebrating their achievements of what their bodies can do.

London 2012 united the world, countries and neighbouring territories, win or lose it was only a game.

‘These were Games for everyone – Games for people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds that connected millions of young people with sport and education in communities and cities around the world.’ – Lord Seb Cole.

It’s that time of year again, come and join us for a fun night of shopping at Vogue Fashion Night Out at Benetton flagship store on the 6th of September between 6pm-9pm.

We have a number of in-store activities involving a mini catwalk, a cool fashion styling team who style celebrities such as Eliza Doolittle, Jessie Ware, and Rihanna to style up the models and customers instore, live music, cocktails and desserts, 10% discount on all purchase for one night only and many more.

”Wrap your baby in warm with the new AW12 United Colors of Benetton Baby collection: dresses, soft shirts and comfortable sweaters that are just right for those beginning to explore their world.” – Baby, Benetton.

“Comfortable, urban and cool: this is the new United Colors of Benetton Kid and Tween collection for AW12. An infinite range of colourful and versatile looks, suitable for every occasion.” – Kid and Tween, Benetton.

Aren’t they look adorable? Be sure to check out Benetton‘s latest AW12 collection online and instore.